shrivel
UK[ˈʃrɪv(ə)l]US[ˈʃrɪv(ə)l]
v
to become smaller and develop folds or lines by losing moisture; to wrinkle and contract.
v
to cause something to shrink and wrinkle in this way.
v
to lose force, vitality, or intensity; to dwindle.
Etymology
the verb 'shrivel' entered english in the mid-16th century, though its precise origin remains somewhat obscure. it is most convincingly linked to north germanic roots, such as the swedish dialect term 'skryvla', which carries the core meaning of wrinkling or contracting. this connection highlights a semantic inheritance focused on the physical process of becoming shrunk and wrinkled. over time, the word's application expanded beyond the purely physical, allowing it to describe the withering of plants, the aging of skin, and, metaphorically, the diminishment of abstract qualities like courage or hope. its evolution reflects a typical path where a concrete, descriptive term acquires broader figurative uses.
Analysis
the word 'shrivel' is considered a simplex form in modern english. it is likely of scandinavian origin, related to the swedish dialect word 'skryvla' meaning 'to wrinkle'. its exact earlier morphological components are not clearly separable in its current spelling.
Examples
the leaves began to shrivel and turn brown in the intense heat.
without proper moisturizer, your skin can shrivel and age prematurely.
his confidence seemed to shrivel under the manager's harsh criticism.